William “Billy” Wayne Warner, 92, passed away peacefully on Oct. 9, 2026, in Naples, Florida.
He was born on Oct. 19, 1933, at Zigler, now Smith Creek, the second child of the late Virgil Edward and Beulah Elizabeth (Hartman) Warner.
Mr. Warner grew up on the family farm in Smith Creek. When he was five years old, his mother passed away. In the years that followed he and his two sisters were joined by three additional siblings from his father’s second marriage to Evelyn Mae Vandevander.
He attended Franklin High School and graduated in 1951. He left Pendleton County for Bridgewater College where he graduated in 1955 with a bachelor of arts degree in English and later received a master’s degree from West Virginia University.
During his service in the Marine Corps he was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. When he joined the University of Maryland Overseas Program in Europe he went to Wiesbaden, Germany, to teach.
There he met his wife, Lieselotte “Lisa” Theis, who was a registrar for the university. The center of his life was then in Germany, and there he later returned to the military as a civilian.
He was a United States Forces liaison officer in Germany for more than 25 years. His lifelong interest in history, especially the Civil War, and politics, as well as his talent for writing proved helpful for the occupation. His profound German language skills were a valuable asset.
After his retirement in 2002, he and his wife moved to Naples, Florida, where they enjoyed many happy years as retirees in Southwest Florida and their children and grandchildren, taking many trips to see them there.
His wife, “Lisa” Warner passed away in March 2021, shortly after their 54th wedding anniversary.
They leave behind a daughter, Audrey Allison Elizabeth Koehler with her husband, Walter; and a son, William Alexander Warner. He was the beloved “Opa” to three granddaughters, Kiana, Maela and Emily, all of Germany. He is survived by his sister Rachel Ruddle.
He was also preceded in death by sisters, Doris Alice Bennett and Shelda Jean Warner; and brothers, Wilson Joseph Warner and Harry Allen Warner.
A graveside service will be held at a later date.
Memories and words of comfort may be left at www.basagic.com or on Facebook at Basagic Funeral Home.
